Technology (CIS and ET)

The Department of Technology includes Computer Information Science (CIS) and Engineering Technology (ET).

Mission

The Department of Technology provides programs designed to develop leaders in industry and society as a whole by providing a quality education to students that is application-oriented and connected to the needs of regional and global businesses.

Computer Information Science (CIS)

Faculty:
Collins, Bhardwaj, and Sethuramalingam
Plaster Hall 223 • 417.625.9383

Fundamental Values

Pursuant to the department’s educational mission, the faculty:

Maintains the currency of the curriculum through ongoing research and consultation with industry representatives.
Engages in professional development that allows its members to remain current in their fields and to provide technological leadership to the university community.
Is committed to the success of its students, both during and after college.

Program Goals

The Computer Information Science program will produce graduates who:

Understand and can utilize core information technologies.
Can analyze, design and implement effective technology based solutions.
Have requisite communication and quantitative skills.
Work effectively as team members.
Are committed to lifelong personal and professional development.
Conduct themselves in an honorable and ethical manner.

Curricula Options

Within this context, the Department offers the following curricula options:

Bachelor of Science
- CIS-Information Technology
- CIS-Information Technology with a certificate in Continuous Process Improvement
- CIS-Computational Mathematics
- CIS-Computer Forensics
Associate of Science in CIS
- Information Systems
Certificates
- App Development
- Information Assurance & Security
- Website Administration
Minor
- CIS-Network Systems Administration
- CIS-Information Systems
- CIS-Website Administration
- CIS-Information Assurance and Security

The three Bachelor of Science in CIS programs equip student for graduate school or entry-level positions such as systems programmer, systems analyst, applications programmer, database administrator, computer forensics analyst, user support specialist, network administrator or website administrator.

Information Technology prepares students to meet organizations’ critical technology needs by developing skills to design, implement, and manage informations systems that businesses rely on for processing and storing data, leading to diverse career opportunities in database administration, app development, IT analysis, and computer programming.

Computational Mathematics combines computer information science and advanced mathematics to develop expertise in using mathematical models and computational techiques to solve complex problems and predict outcomes, preparing graduates for careers in software development, technical support, algrithm creation, information security, and engineering consulting.

Computer Forensics combines computer information science and criminal justice administration to teach students how to investigate digital crimes, secure networks against cyber threats, and analyze electronic evidence for law enforcement agencies, prosecutor;s offices, and corporations.

Information Systems program provides practical knowledge and hands-on experience with computer technology to prepare students for careers managing information systems in businesses, working as systems analysts, or providing technical support in increasingly digital professional environments.

A minor or certificate provides the student pursuing some other major with a credential and expertise in computing, an enhancement that is becoming increasingly important in almost every area of science, education, business and the arts.

The Network Systems Administration minor complements a Computer Information Science degree by teaching students to design, install, configure, secure, and repair computer networks and systems, preparint them for careers as network administrators, systems analysts, database administrators or technical support specialists.
The Information Systems minor equips students with practical computer technology skills including object-oriented programming, systems concepts, database design, and team leadership - preparing them to manage information systems in small businesses, utilize professional It tools, or pursue careers as systems analysts.
The Website Administration minor teaches students to build and maintain commercial websites, covering Internet concepts, design strategies, graphic construction, legal implications, and server-side programming - ideal for those wanting to develop business websites, update web systems, or manage secure web environments.
The Information Assurance and Security minor ficuses on teaching students the fundamentals of cybersecurity, data protection, and secure computing practices.

In addition to these options, the Computer Information Science Department in collaboration with other departments within the Plaster School of Business has developed a curriculum alternative that will qualify the student for a Bachelor of Science in CIS, along with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a selected emphasis such as accounting, finance and economics, marketing, management, international business or general business.

The nature of Computer Information Science is such that a student selecting this major should enjoy and have a talent for solving problems. The effectiveness of the CIS curricula is measured by the success of our graduates. Their average starting salaries are among the highest when compared to other majors and placement records indicate that they have enjoyed an excellent placement rate. Many hold positions as middle and upper-level managers for a wide range of organizations and several have earned graduate degrees.

Only courses in which a student has earned a grade of ‘C’ or above will satisfy departmental requirements for the major or minor in Computer Information Science.

For additional information contact:
Tracy Houk, Department Administrative Assistant
Plaster Hall, Room 223E • 417.625.9383 • houk-t@mssu.edu

Engineering Technology (ET)

Faculty:
Wilson - Chair, Pizarro
Ummel Technology 153 • 417-625-9849

Curricula Options

The department offers a variety of instructional programs. These programs are:

* Industrial Engineering Technology (IET)^, BS

* Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MET), AS

* Automation Certificate

* Continuous Process Improvement Certificate

* Certification - Six Sigma Black Belt and Green Belt

^*Designates program that has been accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Industrial Engineering Technology (IET), BS

The Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology program provides a broad curriculum focused on determining the most effective and efficient ways to make a product or to provide a service. Industrial Engineering Technology is concerned with increasing productivity and quality and reducing costs through the management of people, methods of business organization and technology. Industrial Engineering Technologists have skills and knowledge that allow them to work in a wide variety of businesses. The curriculum prepares individuals for positions such as industrial engineer, quality engineer, manufacturing engineer, project engineer, process engineer or improvement specialist, as well as graduate school.

The Industrial Engineering Technology program at Missouri Southern is unique in terms of the work-based learning opportunities students experience. Through working collaboratively with industry partners, our IET students participate in multiple industry projects where they develop exceptional levels of competencies in problem-solving, communication, and project management skills. This close relationship with industry is one of the reasons our students are afforded the opportunity to earn their Six Sigma Green Belt and/or Black Belt certification should they choose to do so.

Program Educational Objectives

The program educational objectives are broad statements that describe what Industrial Engineering Technology graduates are expected to accomplish within a few years of graduation. The Engineering Technology department at Missouri Southern will produce graduates who:

have the technical and managerial skills necessary to develop, implement, and improve integrated systems that include people, materials, information, equipment and energy.
function effectively on teams.
communicate effectively with professionals and lay audiences.

Student Outcomes:

The IET program uses the ETAC of ABET Student Outcomes. Student outcomes are abilities that students demonstrate while they are in the IET program.

Students in the IET program will demonstrate:

(1) an ability to apply knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering and technology to solve broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline,

(2) an ability to design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline;

(3) an ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly-defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature;

(4) an ability to conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes; and

(5) an ability to function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical teams.

Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MET), AS

The Associate of Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology program prepares students for a broad range of career opportunities in both traditional and computer-automated manufacturing environments.

Students graduating with the Associate of Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology enter employment in manufacturing industries with positions such as technicians, CNC programmers, first-line supervisors or continue their education by pursuing a baccalaureate degree in one area.

Automation Certificate

The use of industrial technology is continually growing throughout the world. There is need for people who know how to program and operate industrial robots. There is also a need for people who understand how industrial robots integrate with manufacturing processes.

The certificate in automation prepares students for automation related careers in process control, manufacturing, computerized hardware/software integration and sustainable automated systems.

The certificate in automation is designed to be taken in combination with the field of Industrial Engineering Technology as well as the fields of Computer Information Science, Computational Mathematics, Physics, and Physics-Engineering.

Continuous Process Improvement Certificate

This certificate was developed for non-Engineering Technology majors and focuses on skills and techniques used to improve processes and systems in a variety of industries. Any student majoring in business, health, criminal justice, CIS, biology, chemistry, technical writing or other fields will increase their competitiveness with this certificate because any organization benefits from reducing cost and increasing productivity and quality. Some examples of industries who are looking for improvement analysts include Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Food, Chemical Industry, Healthcare Services, Telecommunications Services, Medical Devices and Supplies, Financial Services, Insurance, Law Enforcement, Business Services, Computer Software, Computer Hardware, Management Consulting Services, Government and Military Engineering Services, Mortgage Industry, Aerospace and Defense, as well as Energy and Utilities.

Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt Certification

This program is designed to provide participants with the knowledge, techniques and tools necessary to successfully fulfill the Green Belt or Black Belt role in many sectors of industry.

Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology used to improve a product or process. Six Sigma has become the world standard for manufacturing as well as service companies. Six Sigma is about understanding customer requirements, tying improvements to strategic goals of the company, quantifying the financial benefits of improvement projects and following a disciplined process in applying statistical tools to achieve a “near-perfect” process.

Facilities

The department provides an excellent environment for instruction and has several laboratories with sophisticated design, production and testing equipment. The manufacturing laboratory at Missouri Southern State University is a modern facility for learning about manufacturing processes. The lab contains full-size industrial machining and automation equipment including manual lathes and milling machines, CNC machining centers, robots, and 3D printers. The material testing lab is a hands-on laboratory where students gain experience on the following equipment: metallurgical prep equipment and microscope, impact tester, universal testing machine, Rockwell hardness tester, and micro-hardness tester. Our computer facilities are equipped with personal computers and software including Minitab, Design Expert, Inventor, Mastercam, MS Project, and Visio.

For additional information contact:
Dr. Claudia Wilson, Department Chair
Department of Technology
Ummel Technology 153
417.625.9849 • Wilson-c@mssu.edu

Programs

Associate Degree Programs

Major Programs (Undergraduate)

Certificates (Undergraduate)

Minors (Undergraduate)

Courses

Computer Information Science

Industrial Engineering Technology

Logistics

Manufacturing Engineering Technology